Stella Maris
The boat procession and the lights on the sea of Camogli
About Stella Maris
The sea festival of Camogli
Stella Maris is one of the most beloved and ancient traditions of Camogli, a fishing village in the Golfo Paradiso in the province of Genoa. Celebrated on the first Sunday of August and dating back a century, the festival is dedicated to the Madonna venerated by fishermen as Stella Maris, the 'Star of the Sea', protector of those who live and work on the water.
The boat procession to Punta Chiappa
The heart of the festival is the boat procession: from the port of Camogli, the decorated boats, led by the historic gozzo Dragun, set sail towards Punta Chiappa, the spectacular promontory of the Monte di Portofino. Here the boats are blessed and an open-air mass is celebrated at the altar of Stella Maris, in a natural setting of rare beauty.
The lights on the sea
The most exciting spectacle arrives in the evening: from the beaches, thousands of biodegradable lights are lit and entrusted to the sea, floating on the water to create a carpet of flickering lights in honor of the Madonna. The Dragun, accompanied by canoes, parades in a display of lights and music, while fireworks conclude the festive night.
Camogli and the Golfo Paradiso
An ancient city of sailors, Camogli preserves in Stella Maris the deepest soul of its maritime identity. Experiencing this festival means witnessing a collective ritual that unites devotion and poetry, in one of the most evocative stretches of the Riviera di Levante coastline.
Stella Maris — edition 2026
For 2026, the Stella Maris festival falls on Sunday, August 2nd, the first Sunday of the month. In the morning, the procession starts from the church with the effigy of Stella Maris, while the decorated boats, led by the historic Dragun, set sail from the port of Camogli towards Punta Chiappa, where the blessing of the boats and the open-air mass take place. In the afternoon, the Dragun welcomes children aboard and the best-decorated boat is awarded. As evening falls, the distribution and lighting of thousands of biodegradable lights on the sea begin from the beaches, while fireworks conclude the festival.
Programme Stella Maris 2026
Sunday, August 2, 2026
- 10:00 AM — procession from the church with the effigy of Stella Maris; the decorated boats and the Dragun set sail from the port of Camogli
- 11:00 AM — at Punta Chiappa, blessing of the boats and open-air mass at the altar of Stella Maris
- Afternoon — the Dragun welcomes children aboard; award ceremony for the best-decorated boat
- Evening — distribution and lighting of thousands of biodegradable lights on the sea
- Following — light parade of the Dragun with canoes and fireworks
Highlights Stella Maris 2026
Prices Stella Maris 2026
Practical information — Stella Maris
How to get there
Camogli is served by the train station on the Genoa–La Spezia line. Punta Chiappa can be reached on foot (paths from Monte di Portofino) or by boat from Camogli. On festival days, taking the train is recommended.
When
The festival is held on the first Sunday of August. The boat procession is in the morning; the lighting of the lights and fireworks in the evening. Free admission.
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Where does it take place — Stella Maris
Camogli e Punta Chiappa
Punta Chiappa, 16032 Camogli